Clemson vs. Alabama Staff Betting Picks

There is a game flow both of these teams have followed for most of the year.

Alabama has spent much of the season boat racing teams in the first half before taking its foot off the pedal in the second.

Alabama has scored on its first drive in every 2018 game except Georgia, LSU, and Auburn. Clemson has followed a much different pace, as they have failed to score on their first offensive drive in nine of 14 games. Much like the Cotton Bowl against Notre Dame, a few offensive possession are needed before the Tigers are an efficient and explosive offense.

That could come from a freshman quarterback or making adjustments to play calling in the second quarter. But whatever the case, an Alabama -0.5 first quarter wager is warranted, even though I’m on Clemson for the full game.

Also, if you have yet to get a stake in this game and have the ability to bet live, it may make sense to take Alabama before kick and Clemson before its last second quarter possession if the Tigers will receive the ball in the second half.

After a very anti-climatic bowl season (except for that thrilling Washington backdoor), I think we get an absolutely thrilling national championship. I simply have to take the points here with a Clemson team that might actually have the better overall defense — not sure I’ve ever said that before ahead of an Alabama game. I think we get Georgia-Alabama part deux.

I just hope we don’t need a field goal in overtime this year to cover because I do not trust Clemson’s special teams unit one bit.